On Wednesday, three members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were slain when some of them, headed by the armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN), attempted to attack Agwa police station in Imo state's Oguta Local Government Area.
The hoodlums had set fire to the Agwa Central Vigilante Group office and were on their way to attack the police station when they were repulsed.
CSP Mike Abattam, a police public relations officer, said in a statement that as the information reached the police, the command's tactical Group quickly moved to the location.
According to the statement, "Sequel to the command's determination to curb the menace of terrorism in the state, today 18/01/2023 at about 1130hrs, in response to a distress call that, hoodlums suspected to be members of the Proscribed Indegeneous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN) had attacked Agwa Central Vigilante Group, burning down their office, and are proceeding to attack and set ablaze Ag
"Having been informed that the hoodlums had cordoned the station, the police operatives tactically manoeuvred their way into the station joined the investigators of the division and professionally engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, and in the process three of the hoodlums were neutralised while others scampered for safety into the adjoining bushes with various degrees of gunshot wounds, abandoning three of their operational vehicles.
"The operatives on combing the bush, the following Items were recovered two pump Action guns, two Double Barrel guns, twenty four rounds or live ammunition, 12 expended cartridges, one Improvised Explosive Device, three operational vehicles - one green coloured Lexus 470GL, one black coloured Toyota Highlander, one Oxblood coloured mini bus, two motorcycles, one iron box, one travelling bag and assorted charms.
He stated that an inquiry was underway and that the valiant operators were not relenting in their efforts to apprehend the terrorist group's fleeing members.
He stated that the hoodlums' bodies have been evacuated and deposited in the mortuary, while efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are in high gear because they are unable to travel due to the varying degrees of gunshot injuries sustained in the gun duel.
"The police officer who sustained minor bullet injuries was brought to the hospital for treatment and is in a stable condition," according to the statement.
(Source: dailytrust.com)
